The manhunt for several attackers in a suspected “pepper spray attack” at Heathrow Airport has entered its second day.
Armed police descended on the airport’s Terminal 3 multi-storey car park at around 8.11am on Sunday after reports that a number of people had been sprayed with the substance, in what police described as an “escalated argument”. The attackers fled, prompting a manhunt.
A woman was believed to have been robbed of her suitcase before 21 people were injured, including a three-year-old girl, police said. Five people were taken to hospital, but none is believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
The chaos led to overcrowding at key transport links, with passengers left waiting for hours for taxis and shuttle buses.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning. The Metropolitan Police said they had launched a search for the other suspects and are appealing for witnesses.
Police confirmed they are not treating the incident as terror-related.
Key Points
- Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
- Attack was 'isolated incident' between 'people known to each other', police say
- In pictures: Man arrested at Heathrow after pepper spray attack
- Everything we know so far
31-year-old man remains in custody
15:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA 31-year-old man remains in police custody for questioning following an attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning.
The suspect is believed to be one of a “group of men” who robbed a woman of her suitcase before spraying the substance and making off.
He was arrested on suspicion of assault at the scene.
Police have launched a manhunt for the other suspects, who remain on the run.
Simon Calder: Airport closure reflects 'abundance of caution' by authorities in light of terrorism fears
14:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneSimon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: “The closure of access to two of Heathrow's four terminals shows an abundance of caution by the authorities at what is regarded as a prime target for both terrorism and protest.
“Thousands of passengers are at risk of missing flights, because they will not be held for people who were caught up for an hour or more by the road and rail closures. Heathrow has little slack in the system, and planes must keep to schedule.
“The only exception is likely to be where flight crew are delayed in reaching the airport.”
The incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
14:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn an update on Sunday evening, the police said they believe a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men.
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow airport.”
Watch: Man arrested after people sprayed with a 'form of pepper spray' at Heathrow Airport
13:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneAfternoon recap: Everything we know so far
13:02 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe manhunt for several suspects involved in an alleged “pepper spray attack” at Heathrow Airport on Monday continues this afternoon.
Here’s everything we know so far:
• Police were called to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 multi-storey car park at 8:11am on Sunday after reports of a suspected pepper spray attack
• One man, aged 31, was arrested on suspicion of assault at the scene, with several believed to be on the run
• London Ambulance Service treated 21 people at the scene, five of whom were taken to hospital
• The incident is believed to have surrounded the robbery of a woman’s suitcase by the alleged attackers
• A three-year-old girl was among those treated for injuries. None of the victims are believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries
• The incident is understood to be between people known to each other, and is not being treated as terror-related
Police reviewing CCTV after 'pepper spray' attack
12:33 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice are trawling through CCTV footage from Heathrow Airport after 21 people were injured in an attack on Sunday.
The Metropolitan Police said its investigation is continuing “at pace”, but has urged any witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
One 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault as officers launched a manhunt to trace other suspects.
Three-year-old girl treated for injuries after attack
12:03 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA three-year-old girl was among 21 treated by paramedics after Sunday’s attack, police have said.
Five people were taken to hospital, but the girl is believed to have been treated at the scene.
Nobody is believed to have sustained life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
You can read the full story below:
Girl, 3, among 21 injured after ‘pepper spray’ attack outside Heathrow airport
Witness recalls 'eerie' moment suspects flee scene
11:31 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA witness described watching three men “dart through the crowd” at the Terminal 3 car park seconds before he felt the effects of the “pepper spray”.
Graduate student Tom Bate told The Times: “The moment they left, one by one, everyone in the lobby started coughing in unison, including me. I felt this tingling, burning in the back of my throat. I thought maybe it was a chemical leak.”
He then met his father in the lifts before the pair got in their car and saw a rush of armed officers.
He said: “Although the officers were very professional, even they were not in control at that moment while they were trying to figure out what was actually going on. They genuinely didn’t know what they were dealing with.
“And that was a slightly eerie moment, evocative of disaster movies where you realise no one is actually in control.”
Heathrow incident: Everything we know about airport ‘pepper spray attack’
11:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA number of people were injured on Sunday after a suspected pepper spray attack took place at Heathrow airport.
Passengers faced severe disruption at the major transport hub, as armed police descended on the airport’s Terminal 3 multi-storey car park at around 8:11am.
Police understand the incident began after a woman was robbed of her suitcase in the car park lift by a group of four men, who sprayed the substance, believed to be pepper spray, in her direction.
The Independent’s Athena Stavrou has more below:
Heathrow incident: Everything we know about airport ‘pepper spray attack’
Suspect arrested within nine minutes, police say
10:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOfficers arrested a suspect within nine minutes of the report of an attack at Heathrow Airport coming in, the Metropolitan Police said.
Emergency services were called to the Terminal 3 car park at 8:11am on Sunday, where they arrested one man.
The 31-year-old man remains in police custody for questioning. He is understood to be one of a number of suspects police are searching for after other suspected perpetrators fled the scene.
Passengers left stranded after transport links cut off
10:03 , Nicole Wootton-CanePassengers said they were left stranded and waiting for “hours” for taxis and shuttle buses after police descended on Heathrow Airport on Sunday.
The Elizabeth Line was suspended temporarily and rail services disrupted, as emergency services dealt with the “pepper spray” incident.
The M4 spur road was also briefly closed due to overcrowding in the tunnel.
Those trying to exit the airport on Sunday said it had resulted in hours-long waits for transport. One woman told Sky News she waited for over two hours to get a taxi back to Windsor.
Terminal 3 remains open after attack
09:32 , Nicole Wootton-CaneTerminal 3 remains open on Monday after the incident saw key transport links to the airport halted on Sunday.
Dozens were caught up in overcrowding on the M4 spur road and train stations as emergency services cut off access to the airport in order to deal with the incident.
The airport is now operating as normal.
Attack was 'isolated incident' between 'people known to each other', police say
09:01 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe “pepper spray” attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning has been described as an “isolated incident” by police, who confirmed they are not treating it as terror-related.
The attack is believed to be between people known to each other, and centred around a robbery of a woman’s suitcase, police said.
Manhunt enters second day after 'pepper spray' attack
08:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe manhunt for multiple suspects believed to be involved in a “pepper spray” attack at Heathrow Airport has entered its second day.
Police were called to the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park at around 8:11am on Sunday morning after reports a “group of men” had sprayed the substance.
Emergency services descended on the scene and cared for 21 people, including a three-year-old girl. Five of those were taken to hospital.
One 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in police custody for questioning. Officers now say they are hunting a number of suspects as the investigation continues.
Watch: Armed police arrest man and hunt for suspects after 'pepper spray' incident at Heathrow Airport
07:00 , Maira ButtRecap: Everything we know so far
06:00 , Maira ButtHere’s everything we know after police descended on Heathrow Airport this morning:
• Police were called to the Terminal 3 car park at 8.11am on Sunday morning following reports of a “group of men” attacking people with a “form of pepper spray”
• It is understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men
• One man aged 31 was arrested at the scene as officers launched a manhunt for other suspects
• Paramedics cared for 21 people at the scene including a three-year-old girl, and transported five of those to hospital
• Those affected are not believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries
• Passengers at Heathrow Airport have faced severe disruption to transport links throughout Sunday, although all roads and rail lines are now open
• The incident is not being treated as terror-related
Police issue appeal for information
05:00 , Maira ButtPolice have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after 21 people needed medical attention following a “pepper spray attack”.
Officers said they have arrested one man but are searching for a number of others believed to be involved.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
'I believed I was in a terror attack,' witness says
04:00 , Maira ButtA passenger who landed at Heathrow Airport this morning and witnessed the attack has described the experience as “terrifying”.
Tom Bate said he and others around him “suddenly” started coughing as he felt burning in his throat.
“I thought I was in a terrorist attack,” he told Sky News.
Police believe suspected group are 'known to each other'
03:00 , Maira Butt“At this stage, it's believed the incident involved a group of people known to each other and officers remain at the airport to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area,” the Metropolitan Police wrote in a statement on Sunday afternoon.
A 31-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident.
In pictures: Police swoop on Heathrow Airport after 'pepper spray' attack
02:00 , Maira Butt
Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
01:00 , Maira ButtIn an update, the police said they believe a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault within nine minutes of the report coming in. He remains in custody and enquiries remain ongoing to locate further suspects.
The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people with injuries, including a three-year-old girl who was treated at the scene. Five people were taken to hospital with non-life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow airport.”
Where did the attack unfold?
00:10 , Maira ButtThis morning’s attack unfolded in the multi-storey car park at Heathrow’s Terminal 3.
Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest airport, and serves hundreds of destinations around the world.
Terminal 3 is used by Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Qantas and many other major airlines. The multi-storey car park where the incident unfolded is directly opposite the check-in area.
Full story: Girl, 3, among 21 injured after woman robbed of suitcase in ‘pepper spray’ attack outside Heathrow airport
Sunday 7 December 2025 23:15 , Maira ButtA three-year-old girl was among 21 people injured after a suspected pepper spray attack at Heathrow airport which prompted travel disruption for passengers.
Armed police were called to the scene at around 8:11am on Sunday after reports that several people had been sprayed with the substance by a group of men in the multi-storey car park at the transport hub’s Terminal 3.
Five people were taken to hospital after 21 patients were injured, London Ambulance Service said. Police said their injuries are not believed to be life-changing or life-threatening.
Girl, 3, among 21 injured after ‘pepper spray’ attack outside Heathrow airport
Watch: Armed police arrest man and hunt for suspects after 'pepper spray' incident at Heathrow Airport
Sunday 7 December 2025 22:45 , Maira Butt'Increased police presence' at Heathrow throughout Sunday
Sunday 7 December 2025 22:10 , Maira ButtThere will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport on Sunday to “maintain safety” and “reassure the public”, airport bosses said.
They added that while the incident had been “contained” by police, congestion remains on surrounding roads.
A spokesperson advised people to use public transport and said teams are “working hard” to resolve the blocked traffic.
“The incident at the multi storey car park in Terminal 3 has now been contained by the Metropolitan Police,” they told The Independent.
“Congestion remains on surrounding roads following the incident which we are working hard to resolve as quickly as possible and we are advising passengers to use public transport.
“There will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport to maintain the safety of people in the area and reassure the public.”
Airport closure reflects 'abundance of caution' by authorities in light of terrorism fears, says Simon Calder
Sunday 7 December 2025 21:40 , Maira ButtSimon Calder, Travel Correspondent of The Independent, said: “The closure of access to two of Heathrow's four terminals shows an abundance of caution by the authorities at what is regarded as a prime target for both terrorism and protest.
“Thousands of passengers are at risk of missing flights, because they will not be held for people who were caught up for an hour or more by the road and rail closures. Heathrow has little slack in the system, and planes must keep to schedule.
“The only exception is likely to be where flight crew are delayed in reaching the airport.”
The incident is not being treated as terrorism.
Police reviewing CCTV footage to determine 'full circumstances' of incident
Sunday 7 December 2025 21:10 , Maira ButtThe Metropolitan Police’s Commander Peter Stevens said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow Airport.”
Witness felt 'burning at back of throat' after pepper spray attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 20:40 , Maira ButtWitness Tom Bate said he had been waiting to be picked up from the car park when he saw “young men dressed in black darting through the crowd”.
He said he felt a burning at the back of his throat after they left, with other people nearby beginning to cough.
“I’m so glad to hear now that it’s not terrorism because it felt like I was in the middle of an attack – it was pretty intense,” Mr Bate told the BBC.
Three-year-old girl among those treated for injuries
Sunday 7 December 2025 20:10 , Maira ButtA three-year-old girl is among those who were treated by ambulance crews after a group of men used pepper spray on a woman as they robbed her of her suitcase at Heathrow Airport.
The attackers fled the scene and one 31-year-old man was arrested.
Policing minister says her 'thoughts are with' those affected
Sunday 7 December 2025 19:40 , Maira ButtPolicing minister Sarah Jones added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning. My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
“I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.”
Metropolitan Police statement in full
Sunday 7 December 2025 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn a statement issued on Sunday evening, commander Peter Stevens said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow Airport.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
In pictures: Man arrested at Heathrow after pepper spray attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:36 , Maira ButtAt least 21 people were injured in a pepper spray attack at Heathrow Airport on Sunday.
Fire engines and ambulances rushed to the incident, with one man arrested by police.
Policing minister urges people to 'follow police advice'
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolicing minister Sarah Jones has urged those affected by today’s incident to “follow police advice”.
In a post on X she wrote: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning.
“My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made. I am being regularly updated on the investigation.
“Those in the area should follow police advice.”
My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning.
— Sarah Jones MP (@LabourSJ) December 7, 2025
My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.
Simon Calder: Closure of transport links triggered missed flights
Sunday 7 December 2025 18:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Independent’s travel correspondent Simon Calder is reporting that a number of people have missed flights after a “pepper spray attack” caused key transport links to close.
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson said: “If any customers are delayed as a result of the disruption and are unable to make their flight, our teams can support with rebooking onto the next available service once they get in touch with us – either at the ticket desk or by calling in to our customer centre”
'I believed I was in a terror attack,' witness says
Sunday 7 December 2025 17:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneA passenger who landed at Heathrow Airport this morning and witnessed the attack has described the experience as “terrifying”.
Tom Bate said he and others around him “suddenly” started coughing as he felt burning in his throat.
“I thought I was in a terrorist attack,” he told Sky News.
Police issue appeal for information
Sunday 7 December 2025 17:00 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolice have issued an appeal for information and witnesses after 21 people needed medical attention following a “pepper spray attack”.
Officers said they have arrested one man but are searching for a number of others believed to be involved.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1803 7 DEC.
Everything we know so far
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHere’s everything we know after police descended on Heathrow Airport this morning:
• Police were called to the Terminal 3 car park at 8.11am on Sunday morning following reports of a “group of men” attacking people with a “form of pepper spray”
• It is understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men
• One man aged 31 was arrested at the scene as officers launched a manhunt for other suspects
• Paramedics cared for 21 people at the scene including a three-year-old girl, and transported five of those to hospital
• Those affected are not believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries
• Passengers at Heathrow Airport have faced severe disruption to transport links throughout Sunday, although all roads and rail lines are now open
• The incident is not being treated as terror-related
Police say woman was targeted in suitcase robbery
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:27 , Nicole Wootton-CaneIn an update, the police said they believe a woman was robbed of her suitcase by four men.
A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault within nine minutes of the report coming in. He remains in custody and enquiries remain ongoing to locate further suspects.
The London Ambulance Service treated 21 people with injuries, including a three-year-old girl who was treated at the scene. Five people were taken to hospital with non-life-changing or life-threatening injuries.
Commander Peter Stevens from the Met said: “Our team have been working at pace today to review CCTV from the area and speak with witnesses at the scene.
“At this stage, it’s understood that a woman was robbed of her suitcase by a group of four men, who sprayed a substance believed to be pepper spray in her direction.
“This occurred within a car park lift, with those in the lift and surrounding area affected by the spray.
“Our officers are working to determine the full circumstances around what happened but we do believe this to be an isolated incident with those directly involved known to each other.
“We appreciate that this has been a concerning incident and I commend the actions of the emergency services and members of staff at Heathrow airport.”
In pictures: Police swoop on Heathrow Airport after 'pepper spray' attack
Sunday 7 December 2025 16:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Passengers waiting hours for taxis
Sunday 7 December 2025 15:30 , Nicole Wootton-CanePeople stuck at Heathrow Airport have described waiting for two hours to get a taxi after this morning’s incident.
Speaking to Sky News, Aleksandra said it took her more than two hours to get a cab back to Windsor.
She added: "The car park was quite chaotic at Terminal 2, with many people waiting for taxis.
"My taxi driver wasn't aware what was going on and was stuck in traffic for more than an hour on the slip road to Terminal 2."
Passengers also reported long delays and overcrowding on public transport links to Heathrow.
Five taken to hospital after 21 'cared for'
Sunday 7 December 2025 15:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneFive people were rushed to hospital after this morning’s attack, which police said involved a “form of pepper spray”.
Paramedics initially cared for 21 at the scene, with five needing hospital treatment, London Ambulance Service said.
They are not believed to have life-threatening or life-changing injuries.
Man arrested on suspicion of assault
Sunday 7 December 2025 14:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneOne man has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an incident at Heathrow Airport this morning.
Emergency services were called to the Terminal 3 car park to reports a group of men had attacked a number of people with a pepper-spray like substance.
You can read the full story below...
Police respond to ‘serious incident’ at Heathrow as train lines disrupted
Manhunt continues after suspects flee
Sunday 7 December 2025 14:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneMultiple suspects involved in this morning’s attack are still on the run, with a manhunt underway.
Police arrested one man at the scene, but said they are looking to trace several others.
It comes after 21 people were treated by paramedics after reportedly being attacked using pepper spray in the airport’s Terminal 3 car park on Sunday morning.
Passengers report three-hour waits for shuttle bus
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:40 , Nicole Wootton-CaneHeathrow staff have begun handing out bottled water to passengers waiting for buses from Terminal 3.
One family, who did not wish to be named, told the PA news agency they had been waiting at the bus stop for three hours for a shuttle to the long-stay car park after their flight.
The shuttle usually runs every 15 minutes but waiting passengers said there had not been a bus for hours.
Spur road reopens as congestion eases
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:33 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe M4 spur road on the approach to Heathrow Airport has reopened, National Highways has said.
Policing minister says her 'thoughts are with' those affected
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:21 , Nicole Wootton-CanePolicing minister Sarah Jones added: “My thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at Heathrow this morning. My heartfelt thanks go to the emergency services for their rapid response – and the arrest made.
“I am being regularly updated on the investigation. Those in the area should follow police advice.”
Everything police said after 'pepper spray' incident
Sunday 7 December 2025 13:00 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Metropolitan Police has issued a statement after a number of people were attacked with pepper spray at Heathrow Airport on Sunday morning.
Commander Peter Stevens said: “At this stage, we believe the incident involved a group of people known to each other, with an argument escalating and resulting in a number of people being injured.
“Our officers responded quickly and there will be an increased police presence at Heathrow Airport throughout the morning, to continue enquiries and ensure the safety of those in the area.
“We are not treating this incident as terrorism. I understand the public’s concerns and would like to thank those in the area for their cooperation this morning.”
